When your feelings deepen, you may be in love if you notice that you find comfort in honestly expressing yourself and prioritizing their needs. But love is different for everyone.

If you wonder if you’re in love, you’re likely experiencing more than a crush. The feelings can be complicated and cause you to ask, “how do you know if you’re in love.”

But there are ways you can identify what you’re feeling. Understanding the differences and recognizing the signs of being in love can help determine your next steps.

When you find long-lasting, healthy love, it’s much different than a crush or fleeting attraction. It’s a complicated experience, but it’s life-changing in irreplaceable ways.

So, now you likely want to know, how do you know if you’re in love? These signs can help you figure it out:

1. You can be yourself

When you first start seeing someone you’re interested in, you might hide your flaws. If you’re in love, you may not worry as much anymore and will be comfortable being yourself.

2. You’re willing to put in effort

Dating doesn’t always involve happy moments, as negativity is sure to arise eventually. When you start wanting to peacefully resolve conflicts or resolve conflicts or co-create a happy dynamic, it’s a sign of love.

3. You’re disinterested in other people

Being in love means that you’ve made the decision to focus your time and energy into your chosen interest. You most likely won’t want to date anyone else, and people you were once interested in don’t matter much anymore.

It might be love if you only want to spend romantic time with your partner.

4. You want to learn about their interests

You may not have ever wanted to try something before, but if your partner enjoys it, you’re suddenly interested. It leads to trying things you never would have otherwise, and you may even enjoy it.

5. You prioritize their needs

Being in love is about each partner seeking to prioritize the needs and desires of the other. Prioritizing your partner’s needs and desires indicates that you’re experiencing love. You may choose to focus on what they need on the same level you consider yourself.

But it’s important that your needs are prioritized by your partner as well. The willingness for both of your needs to be met should be reciprocated.

6. Your feelings get stronger

When you’re in love, your feelings get deeper and stronger. If you’ve wondered for a while and your emotions haven’t wavered or decreased, it’s a good sign that you’re in love.

7. You’re grateful for them

If you’re thankful for the little things your partner does, you might be in love. You won’t take them for granted, and their small gestures will mean so much.

8. You’re thinking of introducing them to your family

Wanting to introduce a romantic partner to your family signifies something more than a crush. It requires being comfortable enough to let them into the private areas of your life.

9. You enjoy more than their physical appearance

Being in love requires enjoying more than just feelings about their physical appearance. Many people believe intense physical attraction signifies love at first sight, but long-lasting romance requires more than that.

You’ll also be interested in deepening your emotional connection. Enjoying your partner’s quirks and unique qualities indicates that you’re in love.

10. Talking to them is easy

When you’re with someone you love, you’ll talk about everything. You’ll discuss deep topics and the minor things of your daily life.

Nothing will be off limits, and you’ll want to share everything about your life with them. Opening up and sharing details of your life shows you have strong feelings and trust them.

11. You’re proud of them

Being proud of someone shows deep feelings, and you’ll likely want to brag about them. You may take pride in their accomplishments and feel good about their joy and success.

12. You have fun with them no matter what you’re doing

You’re likely in love if you have fun with your partner while doing chores or grocery shopping. Doing simple things becomes enjoyable when you do it with someone you have deep feelings for.

13. You give them undivided attention

Being in love often makes it hard for you to focus on anything else when they’re around. You may find it easier to engage in conversation with your partner and attune to them.

14. It’s easy to plan for the future with them

When you’re in love with someone, you may desire to plan the future with them. Most likely, you won’t second-guess making long-term plans when you experience these feelings.

15. Disagreements don’t make your feelings waver

All couples argue and have disagreements, and they could make you question your feelings. It could be love if your feelings don’t waver during these moments. You can maintain commitment and strong feelings even when things get hard.

You must continually decide to love someone because you want to. So it’s not as simple as falling or not.

Falling in love can be unhealthy because it can imply that you couldn’t control being in love with someone. Once the initial falling has occurred, it’s up to you to consciously continue to love that person.

Loving someone differs from being in love because it involves platonic love. This type of love doesn’t include sexual or romantic attraction, although you care for the person deeply. It’s what you feel for close friends or family members rather than a romantic partner.

Being in love looks different for everyone, but you can count on experiencing bliss, stability, and a lasting connection. The early, euphoric feelings result from increases in dopamine and norepinephrine. You’ll develop a deeper connection once oxytocin levels increase as it leads to attachment.

Signs of unhealthy love

Wanting control in a relationship is an example of unhealthy love. When one or both of you wants to make every decision and control what the other does, wears, or who they spend time with, it’s not a good sign.

Some other signs of unhealthy love include the following:

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Being in love differs for everyone, but understanding the potential signs can help you identify the experience. If you’re asking, “how do you know if you’re in love,” you can take the love or lust relationship quiz to help you figure it out.

Once you know the meaning of your emotions, you can choose how to proceed. You can consider if you’re ready to take your relationship to the next step or want to take your time.